Then perhaps you won't wonder at my being so peppery. Maxley
_suspects:_ he came here and drew out every shilling. I was all in a
perspiration what to do. But I put a good face on, and----"
Skinner then confided to his principal how he had evaded Maxley and saved
the Bank; and the stratagem seemed so incredible and droll, that they
both laughed over it long and loud. And in fact it turned out a
first-rate practical jest: cost two lives.
While they were laughing, the young clerk looked in and said, "Captain
Dodd, to speak with you, sir!"
"Captain Dodd!!!" And all Mr. Hardie's forced merriment died away, and
his face betrayed his vexation for once. "Did you go and tell him I was
here?"
"Yes, sir: I had no orders; and he said you would be sure to see _him._"
"Unfortunate! Well, you may show him in when I ring your bell."
The youngster being gone, Mr. Hardie explained to his new ally in a few
hurried words the danger that threatened him from Miss Julia Dodd. "And
now," said he, "the women have sent her father to soften his. I shall be
told his girl will die if she can't have my boy, &c.
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